Signaling system



Patented May 23, 1939 UNITED STATES SIGNALING SYSTEM Samuel I; Arbuckle, Highland Park, Mlcla, as-

Iignor to United Lena Corporation. Detroit, Mich;I a corporation of Delaware Application February 13, 1986, Serial No. 83,759

iclaima.

This invention relates'to a signaling system and more particularly to means for efl'ectively producing a visible signal.

An object of the invention is to provide an improved signaling system including a plurality of energizable circuits selectively controlled for 11-- luminating signaling devices for night and day use.

Another object of the invention is to provide a system for giving a signal of satisfactory contrusts and sumcient illumination at all times without producing glare.

Another object of the invention is to provide a signaling system including means for periodically emitting a plurality of light rays for visually showing directional caution signals.

A further object of the invention resides in a signaling system for vehicles wherein the intensity of the illumination of the signal is congu trolled by the lighting system of the vehicle.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a signaling system wherein an eiilcient illumination is provided whenever the system is in operation with the least-consumption oi current.

Further objects and advantages are within the scope of this invention such as relate to the arrangement, operation and function of the related elements of the structure, to various details oi 30 construction and to combinations of parts, elements per se. and to manufacture and numerous other features as will be apparent from a consideration of the specification and drawing of a form of the invention, which may be preferred,

3; in which: I

Figure 1 is a view illustrating the invention as incorporated in an automotive vehicle;

Figure 2 is a side view of one of the signaling devices used in connection with the invention;

40 Figure 3 is a front view of the signaling device shown in Figure 2 and further illustrating the signal forming mechanism operated to show a di'- rectional signal;

Figure 4 is'a diagrammatic view of the ciri5 cuits adapted for use with directional signaling devices.

Referring to the drawing in detail and particuplurality of wires for establishing circuit connections controlled through the medium of switches 22 and 23 located in any convenient position such as the dashboard 25 as well as by switch II controlled by the brake pedal of the 5 automobile. The circuit connections are diagrammatically illustrated in detail in Figure 4.

One of the signaling devices with which the invention is associated is shown in Figure 2, the same being fully disclosed in copending applica- 10 tion, Serial No. 740,400, filed August 18, 1934, therefore for the purpose of describing the present invention, only its essential parts are illustrated and described. The signaling devices includes an outer open ended housing 29 having the 1 open end enclosed by a transparent member 30 supported by means of a rim 32 secured to the housing. Movably supported between the transparent member ill-and a lens I3 are a plurality of indicia members 35, four being shown which may be actuated by energization of the coils 31 and 38 of the electromagnetic structure, particularly shown in Figure 3. The coils 31 and 38 actuate when energized a movable core member 43 having secured at its central portion a, disc-like member 44 which is fixedly connected to a flat reciprocating member 41, connected in turn at each end to the pivoted arms 49 and 50. The pivoted arms 49 and 50 are connected by the other respective free end with pivoted arms 52 and I! by means of a pin and slot connection 46. Each of the arms 49, 50, 52 and 53 rigidly carry at their respective pivotal axis a stub shaft 54 having the other end fixed respectively to each of the indicia forming members 35. in order to simultaneously oscillate the same to .produce directional signals to indicate the direction in turning the vehicle. Figure 3 shows the position imparted to the indicia forming members by the mechanism hereinbefore described when the circult of the coil 31 is energized to attract core 43 thereby moving member 41 which in turn transmits this motion to the pivoted arms 40, 50, 52 and 53 rotating indicia forming member 35 to produce the outline of an arrow pointing to the left.

Carried by the inner surface of the back wall of housing 29 by a suitably insulated current conducting bracket 40 is a lamp bulb 4| which illuminates and projects a plurality of light rays through the areas defined by the indicia forming members located in the forward portion of the housing. Spaced from lamp bulb 4i and supported by bracket 40 is another lamp bulb 42 serving as a tail light signal. A translucent shield 5 48 made of red pyroxylin or other suitable material is located between lamp bulbs 4| and 42 for the purpose of projecting a red tinted light for a tail light signal.

I have found highly desirable that the light associated with the signaling device should be of different intensities to produce signals which in the day time have a high degree oi visibility and at night time are very clear and distinct without producing glaring light which would tend to obliterate the distinguishing characteristics of the signal produced by the signaling devices, and for that purpose the light bulb H is provided with filaments 55 and 58 of different light producing intensities. Filament 55. or the low candlepower filament is connected in the system so that its energization takes place at night or under such conditions aswhen it is necessary to energize the lighting system of the vehicle. Intercalated in the circuits of the filaments 55 and 88 is a periodically operable current interrupting device such as a flasher 59, which not only serves to limit the consumption of current from the battery but provides a flashing warning signal whenever either of the lamp filaments 55 and 58 are energized.

In the embodiment shown, the lens 33 is preferably made of colored tinted glass such as amber or of a color value different from that of the indicia forming members so as to give a better contrast to enhance the visibility of the signaling device to any observer.

Figure 4 illustrates the circuits which cause the energization of the current consuming devices used in the system and include a source of energy such as the battery I8 which has one terminal connected with a ground preferably to the automobile chassis by means of lead 8| to serve as a common return. The other treminal 'of the battery is connected with the movable member 83 of switch 23 by means of the conductor 85. Positioned adjacent the member 83 are switch contacts 81, 88, 89 and 10 adapted to be engaged thereby. Contact 81 is connected by means of wire 1| to the stationary contact of thermostatic flashing device 59 having a movable arm actuated by the heating coil 13 grounded at 14. The other terminal of the flashing device is connected to a contact 15 of lighting switch 22 by means of lead 12. Contact 15 is adapted to be engaged by a contacting plate 19 carried by movable member 8I of switch 22. Spaced on each side of the contact 15 are contacts 83 and 84 which are so spaced with respect to the width of plate 19 so as to be selectively connected with contact 15, depending on the position of member 8|. Contact 83 is connected to one of theterminals of each of the high candle power filaments 58 and 81 respectively of lamp bulbs 4| and 9| by conductors 93, 94, 95 and 98, each of the filaments has the other treminal connected to a suitable ground such as 98 and 99. The stationary contact 84 is connected by means of leads I23, I24, I25 and I28 leading therefrom to the low power filaments 55 and IOI of light bulbs 4| and 9| respectively. The filaments 55 and IM are provided with connections to grounds I21 and I28 respectively.

The stationary contact 88 of control switch 23 which is adapted to be simultaneously engaged with contact 81 by the switch blade 83 is connected to one terminal of the energizing coils 31 and I05 of the signaling devices 8 and 9 by leads I01, I08, I09 and conducting arms III and M2. The other treminal of coils 31 and I05 are connected with suitable grounds 2' and H3 by means of current conducting springs H4, H5, discs I I8, I I1 and conductors I I8, II9 respectively. The contact 89 of switch 23 is connected to the main conductor 1| by means of branch lead I2I, thus contact 89 also connects the flashing device or thermostat 59 when the movable arm 83 engages the same. The stationary contact 10 which is adapted to be engaged simultaneously with contact 88 by movable contact 83 is connected to one terminal of the coils 38 and I04 of signal devices 8 and 9 bymeans of conductors I33, I34, I35 and current conducting arms I31 and I38. The other terminal of coils 38 and I04 is grounded as at H2 and H3 by means 01' conducting springs I39 and I40, discs H8 and H1 and leads H8 and H9.

The live or ungrounded terminal of battery I8 is also connected to a current conducting blade I48 carried by the movable member 8| of lighting switch 22 by means of leads and I41. The conducting blade I48 is adapted to engage and-bridge stationary contacts I52 and I53 whenever conducting plate 19 bridges contacts 15 and 84. The stationary contact I52 is connected by means of leads I58, I51 and I58 to the tail light warning indicators located within the casing of signal devices 8 and 9, which as shown comprise lamp bulbs 42 and I45 having a suitable filament, the other treminal of said filaments being grounded by means of leads I80 and I8I respectively. The stationary contact I53 which is also engaged by blade I48 is connected by lead I83 to the sources of light (not shown) of headlamps I5.

As hereinbefore pointed out, the filaments of each of the lamp bulbs 4| and 9| are also used as means to provide a stop signal for the vehicle. These are also controlled for that purpose by a switch actuated by the brake pedal 21 by means of an insulated member I85 connected thereto, and carrying the movable switch blade .I81 adapted to engage stationary contacts I88, I89 and I10 suitably supported adjacent thereto. The contact I88 is connected to the live terminal of the battery by means of lead I1 I. Contact I89 is connected by means of lead I15 to stationary terminal I18 of lighting switch 22. Stationary contact I10 is connected by means of lead I88 to a stationary contact I88 located in the lighting switch 22 and adapted to be engaged by a contact plate I80 carried by an insulated projection I82 forming part of lighting switch arm 8|. Spaced from stationary contact I88 so as to be also engaged by plate I80 is a contact I89 connected by means of lead I90 to conductor 94 which is in turn connected by leads 95 and 98 to the high candlepower filaments 58 and 81 of the lamp bulbs 4| and 9| oi the signaling device. Spaced from stationary contact I18 is a contact I84 connected by lead I85 to conductor I24 hence by leads I25 and I28 to one terminal of each of the low candlepower filaments 55 and IOI of lamp bulbs 4| and 9| of the signal devices.

The operation of the system and device incorporated therein can be summarized as follows:

During the day or under conditions of good visi-v bility, when no need is present for energizing the head lamps I5, the movable arm 8| of the lighting switch 22 will be in its neutral or normal position as shown in Figure 4, where the conducting plate 19 will be bridging contacts 15 and 83 and the contacting plate I80 will be bridging contacts I88 and I89. If the driver of the vehicle applies the brakes to stop or cause the slowing of the vehicle, the switch blade I81 will move into engagement and bridge stationary contacts I00, I86 and I10, establishing a circuit connection to the high candlepower filaments 50 and 01. thus providing a light of greater intensity of illumination to afford a good contrast and indicate a warning highly visible during the daytime. The circuit established to the new of current being as follows: From the live terminal of the battery I through conductor-.I1I to stationary contact I68 and by the use of contacting member I01 to stationary contact I10, hence by means of lead I06 to stationary contact I 88 through contacting plate I80 to stationary contact I89 and by lead I90 to conductor 94, hence by conductors 95 and 96 to one terminal of each of the filaments 56 and 81 which in turn are connected to grounds 98 and 99, forming a suitable return to the other terminal of the battery by lead 6i. Release by the operator of brake pedal 21 will'move contacting member I61 out of engagement from stationary contact I68 and I10, thereby interrupting the flow of current.

When the operator desires during the daytime to indicate acaution-directional signal in advance and while driving the vehicle to make a left hand turn, movement of switch blade 63 from the neutral position to a position wherein the same engages contacts 61 and 68 will cause the simultaneous energization of electro-magnetic coils 31 and I and also the energization of each of the high candlepower filaments, 56 and 81, the circuits for the energization of the electromagnets being as follows: From the live terminal of the battery I8 through lead 65 to movable blade 63 of control switch 23, thence to stationary contact 68 by lead I01 to conductors I08 and I09, to conducting arms III and H2 respectively connected to one terminal of each of the energizing windings by spring member H4 and H5 respectively and disk elements H6 and H1 to grounds H2 and H3, forming the return circuit connection to the grounded terminal of the battery. This will cause the flow of current to energize windings 31 and I05 and move the indicia forming member to indicate respectively arrows pointing to the left so that observers looking to the front of the vehicle, as well as the rear, will be apprized of the turn imparted to the vehicle by the driver.

Due to the fact that switch blade 63 is also in engagement with contact 61 a parallel circuit is established for the energization of the high candlepower filaments 56 and 81, including the flashing device 59 connected in the system so that an intermittent flashing warning signal is produced. The circuit for the energization of the filaments being as follows: From contact member 61 by main lead 1i to one terminal of the flashing device, hence through the movable arm by means of lead 12 to stationary contact 15 of the lighting switch 22. The shunt or heating coil 13 of the flashing device adapted to actuate the thermostat for interrupting the circuit is grounded at 14. The stationary contact 15 being connected by contacting plate 19 with stationary contact 83, the latter being connected by lead 93 to conductor 94 and through wires 95 and 96 to one terminal of each of the high candlepower filaments 56 and 81, and hence by means of the return grounds 98 and 99 respectively to the other terminal of the battery. The flashing member 59 is preferably of a type designed to produce rapid interruptions to the flow of current in the circuit so as to providean intermittent flashing visual signal. Movement of the switch blade 63 to normal position by the operator after the vehicle has completed the turn will open the circuit of the lighting filaments as well as that of the eleetromagnets, thus allowing the return of the indicia forming member 35 to their normal neutral position by spring 43 where an outline of no directional significance is on display on the casing of the signal device.

If the operator desires during the daytime to indicate a right-hand turn of the vehicle. the switch plate 63 is moved to a position whereby the same engages contacts 69 and to establish parallel circuits to cause the energization of coils 38 and I04 as well as the energization of the high candlepower filaments 56 and 81. The circuit of the filaments is established through the conductors hereinbefore described. as the stationary contact 69 is connected by means of lead I2I to main conductor 1i, the other conductors used to cause the energization of the filaments being the same as hereinbefore described when the switch blade 63 was in engagement with stationary contact 61. The circuit established by blade 63 for the energization of coils 38 and I04 being as follows: From the switch blade 63 connected to the live terminal of the battery by means of lead 65 to contact 10 and by lead I33 through wires I34 and I35 respectively to each of the conducting arms I31 and I38 which are connected respectively to one terminal of the windings 38 and I04 and from the other terminals of each of these windings by means of spring members I39 and I40 respectively to disks H6 and H1 to grounds III and H2, forming the return circuit to the other terminal of the battery. Thus, the energization of the windings 38 and I04 will cause movement of the indieia forming members to a position whereby the same form an outline of an arrow pointing to the right, whereby observers in the front or rear of the vehicle will be apprized that the driver is making a right-hand turn. Movement to neutral position of the switch blade 63 by the operator when the right hand turn has been effected will open these circuits, allowing that the indicia forming members 35 will be returned to their normal positions by the action of spring 43.

At night or at other times when the operator desires to connect the lighting system of the vehicle, the movable arm 8i and associated element carried therewith is moved counterclockwise from the position shown in full lines to a position where the conducting blade 19 will engage contacts 84 and 85, which cause the engagement by conducting member I80 with stationary contacts I84 and I18 and the engagement of con ducting plate I48 with contacts I52 and I53, thus establishing the circuits for energizing the lighting system of the vehicle and the filaments of tail light bulbs 42 and I45. If the operator desires to stop the vehicle. when the lighting system is in operation movement of the brake pedal lever 21 will move the contacting member I61 into engagement with stationary contacts I68, I69 and I10 thereby establishing the energization of the low candlepower filaments ,55 and IOI. The energization of these filaments is secured by a circuit formed from the live terminal of the battery by lead Hi to stationary contact I68 through movable conducting member I61 to the stationary contact I69, hence by lead I to stationary contact I18 through conducting plate in engagement therewith to stationary contact I84 and from the latter by means of wire I85 to lead I24 and hence through conductors I and I26 to one terminal of each of low candlepower filaments 55 and H which have the other terminal connected to a suitable ground forming the return of the circuit to the other terminal of the battery. Release of the brake pedal 21 will move contacting member I51 out of engagement with the stationary contacts I58, I89 opening the circuit of the filaments 55 and IM or when the lighting system of the vehicle is in operation by actuating the signal devices.

If the operator desires at night to indicate the turn of the vehicle to the left, it will only be necessary to move the switch blade 63 into engagement with stationary contacts 61 and 68 thereby causing the energization of the coils 31 and I05 as well as the energization of the low candlepower filaments 55 and IOI. The circuit established for the energization of the filaments includes from the live terminal of the battery through conductor 65 to switch blade 63, stationary contact 51, hence by lead II to flashing device 59, connected by lead 12 to stationary contact 15 bridged by blade 19 with contact 84 which in turn is connected by lead I23 to lead I24 connected by conductors I25 and I26 to one terminal of each of the low candlepower filaments 55 and HM, the other terminal of each of these filaments being connected to suitable grounds to form the return circuit to grounded terminal of the battery I 8. Due to the incorporation in the circuit established for the energization of the filaments 55 and [0| of the flashing device 59 it should be noted during the time when switch blade 53 is in engagement with stationary contacts 61 and 68 the circuit of these filaments will be automatically interrupted so that a flashing light will be produced thereby providing an effective warning directional signal indicating the direction of movement of the vehicle.

Movement of, the blade 63 in engagement with contact 61 will also engage contact 68 and cause the energization of the coils 31 and'l05 to produce an outline of an arrow pointing to the left by establishing a circuit including the conductors mentioned when these coils are energized dur ing daytime operation hereinbefore described.

When the driver of the vehicle has made the left hand turn and wants to stop the indication produced by the directional signal it is only necessary that switch blade 63 be moved out of contact with contacts 61 and '68 to interrupt the fiow of current to the low candle-power filaments 55 and IOI so that no light is projected through the light penetrable closure of the signaling device, as well as allowing the indicia forming members 35 to be returned to their normal position by spring 43.

A right hand turn can be indicated by the driver at night through the use of the signaling devices by moving switch blade 63 into engagement with contacts 59 and 10 whereby the low candlepower filaments 55 and 1M are energized, by establishing a circuit incorporating the conductors mentioned when a left hand turn during the night is produced as contact 69 is connected to main lead H by conductor MI. The circuit of the electromagnets to actuate the indicia forming members to form the outline of an arrow pointing to the right is produced by the energization of windings 38 and H14, in this instance this circuit includes the conductors used when these coils are energized for daytime operation as has been hereinbefore described. In this case as well as when the switch blade 63 is in contact with stationary contact members 61 and 68, and irrespective of the position 01' the lighting switch element 8|, which controls the intensity of the illumination projected by the signal devices, the energizing circuit for the filaments is intermittently interrupted causing a rapid flashing thereby rendering the warning signals highly eflective.

From the foregoing, it can be seen that the movable member BI and associated parts of the lighting switch 22 controls not only the circuits for energizing the lighting system of the vehicle and tail lamp signal but in addition the intensity of the illumination projected by the signaling devices for producing signals having a high degree of visibility in the day time and sufficient illumination at night without glare. Thus, at night when the lighting system is in operation the switch member 8| intercalates in the system the circuit of the low candlepower iilaments55 and llil of each of the signaling devices whereby actuation of the switch controlled by the brake pedal 21 or movement of the switch blade I53 to produce directional signals will cause the energization of these filaments if two signaling devices are used, producing signals having clear and distinct characteristics without objectionable glaring effects for indicating not only the stopping of the vehicle but directional caution 'signals with the least expenditure of current.

However, during the daytime or when the lighting system is not in operation, switch member 8| will be in its normal or neutral position, and the circuit of the high candlepower filaments 56 and 81 will be the operative circuit for the signaling system, thus providing means whereby the intensity of illumination projected by the signaling devices is considerably greater than the illumination projects at night, afiording a considerable degree of contrast to make the projected signal visible whenever circuits are established by the actuation of the brake pedal 2'! or by the switch blade 53 to produce directional signals.

It is apparent that, within the scope of the invention, modifications and dificrcnt arrangements may be made other than is herein disclosed, and the present disclosure is illustrative merely, the invention comprehending all variations thereof.

What I claim is:

l. A lamp for warning and signal purposes, including, in combination, a housing; a closure therefor having a light penetrable area constituting a direction signal; two energizable light sources having difierent intensities supported adjacent to said closure; circuits for independently connecting said light sources to a source of current; an intermittently operable circuit interrupting device; and means for establishing an energizing circuit to one or the other of said light sources in series with the intermittently operable circuit interrupting device to project intermittently a light through the light penetrable area of said casing closure.

2. A lamp for warning and signal purposes including, in combination, a housingr a closure therefor having a light penetrable area adapted to define a vehicle direction signal; two energize.- ble sources of illumination confined in a single bulb of different light producing intensities supported adjacent to said closure arranged for illuminating said area; circuits for connecting said sources to a source of current including means for intermittently interrupting the flow of current; manual operable switching means for controlling the circuits of the energizable sources; and means included in said circuit for causing the energization of either of said sources to vary the intensity of illumination of the area defining a vehicle direction signal.

3. A lamp for warning and signal purposes, including, in combination, a housing; a closure therefor having a light penetrable area defining a direction signal; a light bulb; two energizable filaments of difl'erent intensities in said bulb adapted to illumiigt the area defining a direction signal where y different intensity of illumination is emitted thereby; a source of current; circuits for connecting said filaments to said source of current for energizing the same including an intermittently operable current interrupting device; means in said circuits for selectively incorporating either of said filaments in an energizing circuit; and means for completing the energizing circuit including one or the other of said filaments to project intermittently a light through the light penetrable area of said casing closure.

4. A signaling device for an automobile, including, in combination, a casing having a light penetrable area; electro-responsive means including light obstructing members located adjacent to said light penetrable area and operable to define outlines of direction signals through which light is projected through said light penetrable area; a plurality of light sources of different intensities cooperating with said electro-responsive means located adjacent to said light penetrable area whereby difierent intensity of illumination is emitted through the outline formed by said light obstructing members; an intermittently operable current interrupting device; means associated with the lighting system of the automobile to selectively establish an operative circuit for the independent energization of one of said light sources whereby the light'projected through the outline formed by the light obstructing members I on the light penetrable area is of greater or lesser intensity; and switching means for concurrently energizing said electro-responsive means and causing the operation of the current interrupting device whereby the outlines of the direction signals formed by the light obstructing members are periodically illuminated by the intermittent energization of the light source connected in the operative circuit.

5. A lamp for warning and signal purposes for vehicles, in combination a light penetrable member through which light is emitted to produce signals to indicate vehicle turns; two energizable light sources of diflerent intensities carried by a lamp bulb, each adapted to project light through said light penetrable member whereby different intensity of illumination is emitted thereby; connections between said light sources and a source of current for independently causing the energization of each of said sources; a vehicle lighting switch; means actuated by the lighting switch of the vehicle forming part of said connections whereby the position of the lighting switch selectively controls the energization of either of said light sources; an intermittently operable current interrupting device; and manual switching means for causing the operation of said current interrupting device and energizing the selectively connected light source whereby the light project through the light penetrable member is periodically interrupted.

6. In combination a housing; a closure therefor having a light penetrable area constituting means for giving a vehicle direction signal; independent electrically energizable light sources having different intensities supported adjacent to said closure arranged to illuminate said area at difi'erent luminous intensities; circuits for connecting said light sources to a source of current; manual switching means for selectively forming an energizabe circuit with either of said light sources; means actuated by a brake control mem ber of the vehicle for causing a flow of current to energize the selected light source through said selectively formed circuit to project an uninterruptedlight through said light penetrable area to indicate a vehicle stop signal; an intermittently operable current interrupting device; and switching means to cause a flow of current controlled by said intermittently operable current interrupting device to the selectively connected light source through said selectively formed circuit to project intermittently a light through said light penetrable area to indicate a vehicle turn signal.

'7. A signaling system for vehicles, in combina- 'tion a casing having an open end; a member closing said end and provided with a light penetrable opening constituting means for giving a direction signal; a plurality of light sources having diflerent intensities located adjacent to said members to illuminate said opening at diii'erent luminous intensities; connections for the flow of current to said light sources from a current source; switching means for controlling said connections operable by the switch of the lighting system of the vehicle to selectively control the energization of either of said light sources; periodic circuit interrupting means forming part of said connections; a manual switching means for causing the function of the periodic circuit interrupting means and the energization of the selected light source to produce the periodic illumination of said light penetrable opening; and a second manual switching means for producing the direct energization of the selected light source for causing uninterrupted illumination of said light penetrable opening.

SAMUEL F. ARBUCKLE. 

